Stem cells are the basic cell units which can differentiate into any type of cell. It is the core unit (blank cells) from which all cells in the body develops and has significant potential in treating certain degenerative diseases. The umbilical cord and placenta are rich in stems cells which can be collected and stored for future use.
This has become a popular option for parents who want to offer their child a better chance of treating certain diseases which may benefit from stem cell therapy. Additionally, it may also offer the siblings and parents other therapeutic options in the event of certain diseases.
Stem cells are the most basic type of cell in the human body which has the potential to become any type of cell depending on genetic and hormonal stimulation. Some of their unique properties, apart from the ability to become any type of cell (pluripotency) is that stems cells have an unlimited potential to divide into other stem cells.
The medical potential of stem cell therapy is limitless considering that most chronic diseases occur either as a dysfunction or damage of a certain type of cells, or groups of cells to make tissues. In these instances, transplants were the only chance of long term survival but in degenerative conditions involving the nerves, this was not possible.
There are many ethical issues about using embryonic stem cells for this type of therapy or the danger of these stem cells becoming cancerous.
